Embodiments include systems and methods for implementing a multi-rate FIR by using rate-dependent
bit stuffing on the cursor, while using rate-independent (e.g., full-rate) spacing on the pre- and post-cursor. For example, in the FIR
data path, the cursor bit output is generated using
bit stuffing, depending on a selected rate mode (e.g., full-rate, half-rate, quarter-rate, eighth-rate, etc.), but the spacing of the pre-cursor, cursor, and post-cursor are maintained at 1 UI apart (i.e., the full-rate spacing) for all rate
modes. Such an approach can appreciably reduce complexity of the logic and can appreciably relieve the critical timing path.